Martyrs Mirror: A Social History

David Weaver-Zercher

Johns Hopkins University Press, 2016

The definitive history of the martyr book that’s shaped Amish and Mennonite life for nearly four centuries. Martyrs Mirror: A Social History examines the book’s compilation and publication in the 17th century and tracks its fascinating journey as it’s translated, disseminated, read, and discussed in Europe, North America, and beyond. The book’s chapter on the Anabaptist martyr Dirk Willems, titled “The Most Useable Martyr,” is a must-read for anyone who wishes to understand the varied nature of Amish and Mennonite life today.

"A definitive book about a definitive book…Required reading for those interested in religious history.” – Choice  

"Well-conceived, well-written, and well-researched, Martyrs Mirror: A Social History is a terrific book and an absolute pleasure to read." – Paul C. Gutjahr, Indiana University, author of The Book of Mormon: A Biography

“Masterful…both ambitious and impressive. It constitutes an overview-in-miniature of Anabaptist history.” – Benjamin W. Goossen, Harvard University, author of Chosen Nation: Mennonites and Germany in a Global Era

“Beautifully written and meticulously researched, Martyrs Mirror: A Social History provides an invaluable service to anyone open to learning about the journey of the book and the faith that reveres it.” – Mennonite Quarterly Review

“An intricate and sophisticated history of a book and its reception.” – Journal of Mennonite Studies

“Definitive and accessible,” Weaver-Zercher has “a gift for provoking his readers’ curiosity to dig deeper into a fascinating subject.” – Mark L. Louden, University of Wisconsin-Madison, author of Pennsylvania Dutch: An American Language